logo
#

Latest news with #Royce

I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol
I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol

Scottish Sun

time15-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Scottish Sun

I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol

Read on to see how much it really costs to live in a caravan WHEEL GOOD I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol WHEN Hayley Rubery stumbled upon a £500 mouldy caravan on sale she decided to snap it up. While most people would be put off by its condition, Hayley, 34, decided that with a little TLC it would make the perfect holiday home. Advertisement 7 Hayley Rubery bought a mouldy caravan for just £500 Credit: Hayley Rubery 7 Hayley shared how this wasn't the first caravan renovation she has completed Credit: Hayley Rubery 7 The caravan was outdated and hadn't been touched in years Credit: Hayley Rubery 7 She was able to transform it on a budget using TikTok shop and Amazon buys Credit: Hayley Rubery The 1989 Royce van was riddled with mould and was put on sale on Facebook Marketplace for just £500. Hayley decided the renovation would be easy as she had previously renovated another caravan she called Joyce. Now, Hayley spoke to Fabulous about the renovation and how she was able to do it on a tight budget. 'We actually bought our first caravan, which we named Joyce, last year,' Hayley explains. 'It was just a little two-berth, and we picked it up for £500. Advertisement "After renovating it, we realised it was a bit too small for our needs, so we passed it on and decided to do it all again—but bigger this time.' Hayley has transformed the home on wheels with her partner Ben, 41, a recruitment consultant. Now, Hayley has a new four-berth caravan she has lovingly named Elddis Presley. And to keep costs down, she gave herself a budget of just £500 to transform her new caravan into something special. Advertisement "I was sticking to the same budget structure of spending £500 on the renovation, as the new caravan "Elddis Presley" was a four berth it meant the money had to stretch further as the caravan is bigger," she explains. Once they picked up the caravan it took about an hour to go home. I bought a dated caravan & turned it into my family's very own second home for £4.5k - now we holiday for just £10 a day 'We towed it from Norwich—it took about an hour,' Hayley says. Once it was safely parked on their drive, the real fun started. The caravan was a sight for sore eyes when she got it into her driveway, the outside was covered in mould and green algae that Hayley had to scrub off. Advertisement Inside was no better either, some of the white finishings had been stained yellow and mould was seeping into the wood. 7 The dated kitchen was in need of a lick of paint Credit: Hayley Rubery 7 She was able to paint the whole thing for less than £5 Credit: Hayley Rubery But with a little motivation and some money-saving hacks, Hayley gave it a homely and modern update. Advertisement One of the biggest money-saving wins came from a £6.99 pack of green gingham tea towels she picked up from TK Maxx. Hayley was looking for some small curtains for the bathroom's tiny window and transformed the tea towels into curtains. "Sometimes I think a little imagination goes a long way, you don't have to buy everything new or the 'best' to make something look nice," she says. Another great find was a small tub of kitchen paint from Poundstretcher for £3.50. Advertisement The small tub may not be enough for a kitchen in a home, but it was just the right amount for the small kitchen in the caravan. When asked about the DIY process, Hayley says painting was hands-down the easiest and most satisfying part. 'I love a job where you can instantly see the before and after,' she says. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. She says the flooring was definitely the trickiest part. Advertisement "I used individual stick-on planks, and cutting around the furniture was so fiddly. Not hard—just time-consuming," she explains. How much does it cost to live in a caravan? LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs: Initial Costs Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year Ongoing Monthly Costs Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120 £40 - £120 Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80 £20 - £80 Internet and TV: £20 - £50 £20 - £50 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40 Other Potential Costs Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25 £8 - £25 Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance Variable, depending on distance Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time) Sample Monthly Budget Pitch Fees: £400 £400 Utilities: £80 £80 Maintenance and Repairs: £40 £40 Internet and TV: £40 £40 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25 £25 Total: £585 Annual Estimated Cost Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020 £585 x 12 = £7,020 Insurance: £500 £500 Maintenance and Repairs: £480 £480 Total Annual Cost: £8,000 Tips to Save Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself. Handle minor repairs yourself. Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs. While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK. Still, it was worth it. 'I genuinely love every part of the caravan,' Hayley says. 'It's so cosy and homely. It's amazing what a bit of creativity and elbow grease can do.' Hayley also bought plenty of home items on TikTok shop, including some of the stick-on vinyl flooring for the caravan which cost her just £60 in total. Advertisement She removed the old cushion covers in the living room and switched them with a white fabric for a more modern feel. Hayley also bought cheap floral stick-on wallpaper from Amazon for just £8.99 to finish off the room. Now, all that is left for Hayley is to paint the outside of the caravan. And she is thrilled to say that she managed to change the caravan while staying below her £500 budget. Advertisement 'I haven't added up the exact total yet,' she admits. 'Last time I checked, I'd only spent around £350. "We still need to paint the outside, but I reckon the whole thing will come in at around £450—still under budget!' Hayley and Ben have already taken their new holiday home on three trips within the UK. 7 Even the bathroom curtains were made from tea towels Credit: Hayley Rubery Advertisement She reveals that 'Elddis Presley' has taken them to two local Norfolk getaways and one to the Peak District. 'We still need to paint the outside, but once that's done, we'll be off exploring more. I'd love to do a European trip in it next year," Hayley says. While the caravan is perfect for the couple now, Hayley says she is eager to do the renovation process all over again. Hayley adds: "This is the second caravan I've renovated and I've loved every second. Advertisement "A third project is definitely on the cards—maybe even a campervan next time.'

I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol
I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol

The Sun

time15-07-2025

  • The Sun

I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol

WHEN Hayley Rubery stumbled upon a £500 mouldy caravan on sale she decided to snap it up. While most people would be put off by its condition, Hayley, 34, decided that with a little TLC it would make the perfect holiday home. 7 7 7 7 The 1989 Royce van was riddled with mould and was put on sale on Facebook Marketplace for just £500. Hayley decided the renovation would be easy as she had previously renovated another caravan she called Joyce. Now, Hayley spoke to Fabulous about the renovation and how she was able to do it on a tight budget. 'We actually bought our first caravan, which we named Joyce, last year,' Hayley explains. 'It was just a little two-berth, and we picked it up for £500. "After renovating it, we realised it was a bit too small for our needs, so we passed it on and decided to do it all again—but bigger this time.' Hayley has transformed the home on wheels with her partner Ben, 41, a recruitment consultant. Now, Hayley has a new four-berth caravan she has lovingly named Elddis Presley. And to keep costs down, she gave herself a budget of just £500 to transform her new caravan into something special. "I was sticking to the same budget structure of spending £500 on the renovation, as the new caravan "Elddis Presley" was a four berth it meant the money had to stretch further as the caravan is bigger," she explains. Once they picked up the caravan it took about an hour to go home. I bought a dated caravan & turned it into my family's very own second home for £4.5k - now we holiday for just £10 a day 'We towed it from Norwich—it took about an hour,' Hayley says. Once it was safely parked on their drive, the real fun started. The caravan was a sight for sore eyes when she got it into her driveway, the outside was covered in mould and green algae that Hayley had to scrub off. Inside was no better either, some of the white finishings had been stained yellow and mould was seeping into the wood. 7 7 But with a little motivation and some money-saving hacks, Hayley gave it a homely and modern update. One of the biggest money-saving wins came from a £6.99 pack of green gingham tea towels she picked up from TK Maxx. Hayley was looking for some small curtains for the bathroom's tiny window and transformed the tea towels into curtains. "Sometimes I think a little imagination goes a long way, you don't have to buy everything new or the 'best' to make something look nice," she says. Another great find was a small tub of kitchen paint from Poundstretcher for £3.50. The small tub may not be enough for a kitchen in a home, but it was just the right amount for the small kitchen in the caravan. When asked about the DIY process, Hayley says painting was hands-down the easiest and most satisfying part. 'I love a job where you can instantly see the before and after,' she says. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. She says the flooring was definitely the trickiest part. "I used individual stick-on planks, and cutting around the furniture was so fiddly. Not hard—just time-consuming," she explains. LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs: Initial Costs Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year Ongoing Monthly Costs Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120 Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80 Internet and TV: £20 - £50 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40 Other Potential Costs Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25 Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time) Sample Monthly Budget Pitch Fees: £400 Utilities: £80 Maintenance and Repairs: £40 Internet and TV: £40 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25 Total: £585 Annual Estimated Cost Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020 Insurance: £500 Maintenance and Repairs: £480 Total Annual Cost: £8,000 Tips to Save Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself. Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs. While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK. Still, it was worth it. 'I genuinely love every part of the caravan,' Hayley says. 'It's so cosy and homely. It's amazing what a bit of creativity and elbow grease can do.' Hayley also bought plenty of home items on TikTok shop, including some of the stick-on vinyl flooring for the caravan which cost her just £60 in total. She removed the old cushion covers in the living room and switched them with a white fabric for a more modern feel. Hayley also bought cheap floral stick-on wallpaper from Amazon for just £8.99 to finish off the room. Now, all that is left for Hayley is to paint the outside of the caravan. And she is thrilled to say that she managed to change the caravan while staying below her £500 budget. 'I haven't added up the exact total yet,' she admits. 'Last time I checked, I'd only spent around £350. "We still need to paint the outside, but I reckon the whole thing will come in at around £450—still under budget!' Hayley and Ben have already taken their new holiday home on three trips within the UK. She reveals that 'Elddis Presley' has taken them to two local Norfolk getaways and one to the Peak District. 'We still need to paint the outside, but once that's done, we'll be off exploring more. I'd love to do a European trip in it next year," Hayley says. While the caravan is perfect for the couple now, Hayley says she is eager to do the renovation process all over again. Hayley adds: "This is the second caravan I've renovated and I've loved every second. "A third project is definitely on the cards—maybe even a campervan next time.'

I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol
I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol

The Irish Sun

time15-07-2025

  • The Irish Sun

I bought a mouldy caravan for £500 & gave it a budget makeover – now we holiday for just the price of petrol

WHEN Hayley Rubery stumbled upon a £500 mouldy caravan on sale she decided to snap it up. While most people would be put off by its condition, Hayley, 34, decided that with a little TLC it would make the 7 Hayley Rubery bought a mouldy caravan for just £500 Credit: Hayley Rubery 7 Hayley shared how this wasn't the first caravan renovation she has completed Credit: Hayley Rubery 7 The caravan was outdated and hadn't been touched in years Credit: Hayley Rubery 7 She was able to transform it on a budget using TikTok shop and Amazon buys Credit: Hayley Rubery The 1989 Royce van was riddled with mould and was put on sale on Facebook Marketplace for just £500. Hayley decided the renovation would be easy as she had previously renovated another caravan she called Joyce. Now, Hayley spoke to Fabulous about the 'We actually bought our first caravan, which we named Joyce, last year,' Hayley explains. 'It was just a little two-berth, and we picked it up for £500. READ MORE ON HOME MAKEOVERS "After renovating it, we realised it was a bit too small for our needs, so we passed it on and decided to do it all again—but bigger this time.' Hayley has transformed the home on wheels with her partner Ben, 41, a recruitment consultant. Now, Hayley has a new four-berth caravan she has lovingly named Elddis Presley. And to keep costs down, she gave herself a budget of just £500 to transform her new caravan into something special. Most read in Fabulous "I was sticking to the same budget structure of spending £500 on the renovation, as the new caravan "Elddis Presley" was a four berth it meant the money had to stretch further as the caravan is bigger," she explains. Once they picked up the caravan it took about an hour to go home. I bought a dated caravan & turned it into my family's very own second home for £4.5k - now we holiday for just £10 a day 'We towed it from Norwich—it took about an hour,' Hayley says. Once it was safely parked on their drive, the real fun started. The caravan was a sight for sore eyes when she got it into her driveway, the outside was covered in mould and green algae that Hayley had to scrub off. Inside was no better either, some of the white finishings had been stained yellow and mould was seeping into the wood. 7 The dated kitchen was in need of a lick of paint Credit: Hayley Rubery 7 She was able to paint the whole thing for less than £5 Credit: Hayley Rubery But with a little motivation and some money-saving hacks, Hayley gave it a homely and modern update. One of the biggest money-saving wins came from a £6.99 pack of green gingham tea towels she picked up from TK Maxx. Hayley was looking for some small curtains for the bathroom's tiny window and transformed the tea towels into curtains. "Sometimes I think a little imagination goes a long way, you don't have to buy everything new or the 'best' to make something look nice ," she says. Another great find was a small tub of kitchen paint from Poundstretcher for £3.50. The small tub may not be enough for a kitchen in a home, but it was just the right amount for the small kitchen in the caravan. When asked about the DIY process, Hayley says painting was hands-down the easiest and most satisfying part. 'I love a job where you can instantly see the before and after,' she says. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. She says the flooring was definitely the trickiest part. "I used individual stick-on planks, and cutting around the furniture was so fiddly. Not hard—just time-consuming," she explains. How much does it cost to live in a caravan? LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs: Initial Costs Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year Ongoing Monthly Costs Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120 Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80 Internet and TV: £20 - £50 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40 Other Potential Costs Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25 Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time) Sample Monthly Budget Pitch Fees: £400 Utilities: £80 Maintenance and Repairs: £40 Internet and TV: £40 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25 Total: £585 Annual Estimated Cost Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020 Insurance: £500 Maintenance and Repairs: £480 Total Annual Cost: £8,000 Tips to Save Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself. Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs. While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK. Still, it was worth it. 'I genuinely love every part of the caravan,' Hayley says. 'It's so cosy and homely. It's amazing what a bit of creativity and elbow grease can do.' Hayley also bought plenty of home items on TikTok shop, including some of the stick-on vinyl flooring for the caravan which cost her just £60 in total. She removed the old cushion covers in the living room and switched them with a white fabric for a more modern feel. Hayley also bought cheap floral stick-on wallpaper from Amazon for just £8.99 to finish off the room. Now, all that is left for Hayley is to paint the outside of the caravan. And she is thrilled to say that she managed to change the caravan while staying below her £500 budget. 'I haven't added up the exact total yet,' she admits. 'Last time I checked, I'd only spent around £350. "We still need to paint the outside, but I reckon the whole thing will come in at around £450—still under budget!' Hayley and Ben have already taken their new holiday home on three trips within the UK. 7 Even the bathroom curtains were made from tea towels Credit: Hayley Rubery She reveals that 'Elddis Presley' has taken them to two local Norfolk getaways and one to the Peak District. 'We still need to paint the outside, but once that's done, we'll be off exploring more. I'd love to do a European trip in it next year," Hayley says. While the caravan is perfect for the couple now, Hayley says she is eager to do the renovation process all over again. Hayley adds: "This is the second caravan I've renovated and I've loved every second. "A third project is definitely on the cards—maybe even a campervan next time.'

4 reasons forecasters are bullish on the market's smallest stocks after years of underperformance
4 reasons forecasters are bullish on the market's smallest stocks after years of underperformance

Business Insider

time02-07-2025

  • Business
  • Business Insider

4 reasons forecasters are bullish on the market's smallest stocks after years of underperformance

Stock forecasters can't stop talking about the market's smallest and least impressive stocks. They're referring to the small-cap sector, an area of the stock market that strategists have been bullish on, despite underperforming the overall market in recent years. The Russell 2000, which slipped into a bear market over the first half of the year, has recouped most of its losses in recent months. But the index of small-cap US firms is still down about 1% year-to-date, lagging the S&P 500 's 5% gain. On a five-year horizon, the Russell 2000 has yielded a 53% return — underwhelming compared to the S&P 500's 98% climb. But there are a few reasons some forecasters remain bullish on the sector. Here's what strategists are saying. 1. A possible IPO boom on the horizon There's reason to believe that more small, private companies are gearing up to go public in the near term, according to analysts at Janus Henderson. Small private firms have typically relied on private equity investors to get fresh capital, but many private loans are structured over a 5- to 7-year time horizon, analysts said, and companies will likely be looking for new sources of money once the debt matures. Interest rates are also higher than they were in the past decade, which could make it more challenging to attract private investors, they added. "That's why going public could become a more attractive path for companies needing refinancing or private equity sponsors looking for an exit," analysts said, pointing to the surge in IPOs over the first half of 2025 compared to the prior year. "A reopening IPO market typically benefits the entire small-cap asset class as quality companies tend to go public first and generate positive momentum across the space." Rebounding from a bear market Small-cap stocks have historically performed well after bear markets, according to an analysis from Royce Investment Partners. The Russell 2000 fell into a bear market earlier this year, falling 21% from January to April 8, and historically, stocks in the index have seen healthy growth following a trough. In 2020, the Russell 2000 plunged more than 30% peak-to-trough amid the broader coronavirus-fueled sell-off, but value and growth stocks in the index more than doubled in value in the year following the event, according to Francis Gannon, the co-chief investment officer at Royce. Over the last 20 years, small-caps gained an average 60% in the year following a bear market, Gannon added in a note. Valuations in the sector also remain attractive. "We see the small-cap market as fundamentally healthy. The disconnect between large caps and small caps reflects market sentiment rather than underlying business performance," analysts at Janus Henderson said. Strong investment themes According to Jill Hall, the head of US small and mid-cap strategy at Bank of America, small-cap stocks should also benefit from a handful of bullish themes unfolding in the broader economy. Here are some of the tailwinds Hall sees: Reshoring. The economy moving more of its manufacturing activity back to the US could be a boon for small public companies. In a note last year, Morgan Stanley estimated that restoring could unlock as much as $10 trillion in value for the US economy over the next decade. Capital expenditures. The US is in the midst of a big capex cycle, which could also benefit small firms, Hall suggested. US private fixed investment clocked in around $4.2 trillion in the first quarter of 2024, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis De-globalization. The US decreasing its reliance on supply chains abroad could also support small domestic firms. "Overall, I do think that over the long-term, there is still greater potential for outperformance of small-caps, given where valuations are, and given some of the multi-year themes," Hall said, speaking to CNBC this week. The America-first economy The Trump administration's push for an America-first economy should also benefit small public firms, according to Peter Kraus, the CEO of the asset manager Aperture Investors. Kraus pointed to the GOP tax and spending bill, which includes proposals like extending Trump's 2017 tax cuts and bigger tax breaks for some businesses and workers. "Congress is going to focus on the domestic economy, and I do think domestically oriented companies, principally mid-cap and small-cap companies, are going to benefit. And they've been the laggards in the last five years," Kraus said, speaking to CNBC on Tuesday.

Rebel Wilson credits her daughter for changing the way she eats
Rebel Wilson credits her daughter for changing the way she eats

Yahoo

time17-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Rebel Wilson credits her daughter for changing the way she eats

Rebel Wilson's daughter, Royce, has made a significant mark on the actor's health. Speaking with in studio on June 16, Wilson, 45, credited 2-year-old Royce with allowing her and her wife, Ramona Agruma, to maintain healthy eating habits. 'I go on and off the rails with healthy eating and stuff. But what's really good is that with her, we're so conscious, my wife and I, about feeding her healthy, nutritious meals,' Wilson says. 'Which makes me remind myself again about being healthy.' Wilson explains that while she herself would 'often eat a lot of junk food,' parents would 'never deliberately feed your child rubbish.' And avoiding feeding her child "rubbish" is a good way to keep her own health goals on track. 'It's a nice reminder for yourself to try to be like, 'Well, I'd never give that to my daughter for dinner,' right? Just cookies for dinner or something like that — so why would I be doing that for myself?' she says. In another lesson from her daughter, Wilson says Royce has taught her 'how to be present,' even though her mind is normally racing around work, projects and everyday life. 'I was sitting down with her and I was playing with this kind of sand — it's like magnetic sand or something. I mean, just sitting there, just playing and talking to each other and just being present and not worrying about anything else,' she recalls. As she enjoys 'the simple pleasures of just being present with your child,' Wilson says being a mom and newly married has shifted her priorities. 'It just really changed my life. I mean, I don't have much of a social life,' she says, laughing. 'My spare time goes to my wife and daughter, and so I'm not gallivanting around like I used to be as a single lady, but it's just so fun.' Wilson continued, 'I feel so settled and nice and like everything's going great. And I think just, women in their 40s anyway, you just find a nice groove and a nice place of comfortability where you are, which is great.' The 'Bride Hard' star married Agruma in a ceremony in September 2024 in Sardinia, Italy. Wilson's daughter, Royce, was born via surrogate on Nov. 7, 2022. This article was originally published on

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store